WELCOME
The Institute of Masters of Wine is the home of exceptional expertise in the wine world. What started more than 65 years ago as an exam for the UK wine trade is now a globally recognised title collectively held by a worldwide family of Masters of Wine. Today, there are 418 MWs based in 30 countries, each making their own contribution to the world of wine. Becoming an MW means gaining entry into a unique wine community; one that brings enriching personal and professional opportunities, as well as lifelong friendships.
ABOUT US
The IMW’s mission is to promote excellence, interaction, and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. As well as running the MW study programme, our programme of worldwide events offers unparalleled opportunities to taste and learn. These tastings and seminars, including our international symposium, are open for anyone to attend – you don’t have to be a Master of Wine to join in.
FIND AN MW
The IMW’s directory of Masters of Wine allows you to search not just by name, but also by skills and specialisms. MWs are active all over the world and in all fields; MWs are winemakers, journalists, consultants, buyers, auctioneers, educators and much more. If you are looking for an MW in a particular country, expert comment on a specific style of wine, a speaker for your event, or experienced commercial advice, look no further.
THE MW EXAM
The MW exam tests the breadth and depth of a candidate’s theoretical knowledge and tasting skills in the art, science and business of wine. By passing the MW exam, you become a member of the IMW, gain the title Master of Wine and can use the initials MW after your name. The MW exam is a series of tasting and theory papers, plus an in-depth research project. You can find out about all stages of the exam, as well as downloading past papers, by clicking below.
Latest News
Heidi Iren Hansen MW wins the 2020 Bollinger Medal
Last night, Heidi Iren Hansen MW was announced as the 2020 winner of the Madame Bollinger Medal, which is awarded for excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement in the Institute of Masters of Wine practical exams. Heidi was announced as the winner by managing...
Features
Caro Maurer MW awarded Bacchus Prize
Caro Maurer MW has been awarded the 2021 Bacchus Prize in the international category. The ceremony took place on 4 November at Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt The prize is awarded annually, and winners are selected based on merit and contribution to Austrian wine....
Thirteen Masters of Wine inducted at the 2021 IMW awards ceremony
The Institute of Masters of Wine has officially welcomed 13 new Masters of Wine to its membership at the IMW’s awards ceremony in London. The ceremony celebrates the induction of the new Masters of Wine to the IMW and recognises individual excellence in all aspects of...
Austrian Wine Marketing Board signs IMW principal supporter contract for another three years
Austrian Wine has renewed its principal supporter contract with the Institute of Masters of Wine. One of the first supporters of the IMW, Austrian Wine has enjoyed a partnership with the IMW that spans almost 20 years. Since 2004, they have hosted the stage one MW...
The IMW’s 10th international symposium to be held in Germany 2023
The Institute of Masters of Wine is delighted to announce a 10th international symposium in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 2023. Open to anyone to attend, the symposium will run over four stimulating days from 29 June to 2 July 2023. The hosts for the not to be missed event...
Five new applicants share IWSC Foundation scholarship
IMW supporter IWSC Foundation has awarded five scholarships worth £5,000 each to MW study programme applicants. Ian Casterton, Atsuhide Hoshiyama, Christy Fuhrman, Mariko Iwai and Kelcie Jones share a portion of £25,000. IWSC Foundation made the fund available to new...
Isabelle Legeron MW organises digital event Alive!
Founder of RAW WINE, Isabelle Legeron MW and her team are putting together their first fully digital event: Alive! Organised with the support of ProChile, Austrian Wine and Wines of South Africa, the event is a virtual festival of ideas for the world of wine, inspired...
MW students Evmorfia Kostaki and Cathy Marston receive Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation MW scholarship
Stage two MW students Evmorfia Kostaki and Cathy Marston have been awarded the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Master of Wine scholarship. They each receive £10,000 to help with the cost of their studies. The Foundation awarded $159,000 in total to the...
Ray O’Connor MW and Naked Wines organise fundraiser to support the Ahr valley
Ray O’Connor MW and the team at Naked Wines coordinated a fundraiser in support of the winemakers and local community of the Ahr valley following the devastating floods on 14 July 2021. Through liaising with the German Wine Institute as well as MW and winemaker...
Rooted for Good initiative by Jackson Family Wines
IMW major supporter Jackson Family Wines recently launched Rooted for Good: Roadmap to 2030, a bold initiative and 10-year plan to help tackle climate change, generate positive social impact and support the vision for a sustainable future. It is the biggest initiative...
Latest News
Heidi Iren Hansen MW wins the 2020 Bollinger Medal
Last night, Heidi Iren Hansen MW was announced as the 2020 winner of the Madame Bollinger Medal, which is awarded for excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement in the Institute of Masters of Wine practical exams. Heidi was announced as the winner by managing...
Thirteen Masters of Wine inducted at the 2021 IMW awards ceremony
The Institute of Masters of Wine has officially welcomed 13 new Masters of Wine to its membership at the IMW’s awards ceremony in London. The ceremony celebrates the induction of the new Masters of Wine to the IMW and recognises individual excellence in all aspects of...
The IMW’s 10th international symposium to be held in Germany 2023
The Institute of Masters of Wine is delighted to announce a 10th international symposium in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 2023. Open to anyone to attend, the symposium will run over four stimulating days from 29 June to 2 July 2023. The hosts for the not to be missed event...
Austrian Wine Marketing Board signs IMW principal supporter contract for another three years
Austrian Wine has renewed its principal supporter contract with the Institute of Masters of Wine. One of the first supporters of the IMW, Austrian Wine has enjoyed a partnership with the IMW that spans almost 20 years. Since 2004, they have hosted the stage one MW...
Features
Caro Maurer MW awarded Bacchus Prize
Caro Maurer MW has been awarded the 2021 Bacchus Prize in the international category. The ceremony took place on 4 November at Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt The prize is awarded annually, and winners are selected based on merit and contribution to Austrian wine....
Isabelle Legeron MW organises digital event Alive!
Founder of RAW WINE, Isabelle Legeron MW and her team are putting together their first fully digital event: Alive! Organised with the support of ProChile, Austrian Wine and Wines of South Africa, the event is a virtual festival of ideas for the world of wine, inspired...
Ray O’Connor MW and Naked Wines organise fundraiser to support the Ahr valley
Ray O’Connor MW and the team at Naked Wines coordinated a fundraiser in support of the winemakers and local community of the Ahr valley following the devastating floods on 14 July 2021. Through liaising with the German Wine Institute as well as MW and winemaker...
MW students Evmorfia Kostaki and Cathy Marston receive Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation MW scholarship
Stage two MW students Evmorfia Kostaki and Cathy Marston have been awarded the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation Master of Wine scholarship. They each receive £10,000 to help with the cost of their studies. The Foundation awarded $159,000 in total to the...
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